Cineplex plans to open 10-screen Lansdowne Park theatre

Planners of Ottawas Lansdowne Park project have found another company to run its new movie theatre.

Cineplex announced Monday morning theyll be opening a ten-screen theatre at the park late this year that can seat as many as 1,700 people.

• 3 Ottawa Empire Theatres reopen under new management
• Ottawa's World Exchange Plaza theatre closes its doors

A news release said three of those screens will be Cineplex VIP areas, a licensed adult-only space with reserved seats, food delivery and alcohol choices including beer, wine and cocktails.

"Our theatre at Lansdowne will be one of the most impressive buildings of its type in Canada," said Ellis Jacob, president and CEO of Cineplex Entertainment in the news release.

"From the refinement and luxury of our VIP Cinemas to the incredible, immersive experience of our UltraAVX auditoriums Cineplex Cinemas Lansdowne and VIP will take the movie-going experience in Ottawa to a new level."

"Cineplex is Canada's top theatre operator and today's announcement is a big win for Lansdowne and Ottawa movie-goers," said John Ruddy, part of the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group.

The status of Lansdowne Parks movie theatre had been in doubt since original operators Empire got out of the movie business last year.

That same decision was a factor inthe closure of downtown Ottawas only multiplex theatre at the World Exchange Plaza.

Until the Lansdowne Park theatre opens, downtown Ottawas only theatres are the Mayfair and Bytowne, which are single-screen and dont always show first-run movies.

City officials have said the Lansdowne Park project, which is under construction, is on schedule. The first home game for the CFL's Redblacks is set for July 18.